6. Maintain
recommended watering, mulching, weeding and pest control at all times.***

Handling
the Unexpected:

1. Whatever
the natural or unnatural cause that brings you to consider topping - don't.

2. Reduce
a tree's size with alternate or "lateral branch" removal, pruning
at the fork.

3. Do not
make flush cuts (right next to the tree trunk). Instead cut outside of
the branch bark ridge or branch collars. Do not remove the branch bark
ridge or branch collars.

4. Make clean,
angled cuts with sharp tools at the branch collar. Do not paint cuts.

5. If severe
topping looks like the only solution to your particular problem, consider
cutting the tree down and starting with a new one. You will have to eventually.

*Urban
Foresters and Arborists usually belong to one (or both) of these groups
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and National Arborist Association
(NAA). The ISA has a certification program that comes from study and a
lengthy examination. These and other urban forestry professionals can
help not only in choosing the right trees in the first place, but handling
pruning and potential problems that might result from storms or other
property changes.

**Utility
companies, with years of experience, suggest the following:

Large
trees (over 60 feet tall) - Plant 45 feet from utilities

Medium
trees (30-60 feet tall) - Plant 35 feet from utilities

Small
trees (less than 30 feet tall) - Plant 15 feet from utilities

Note:
When planting around a house or building consider proximity to drainage
pipes, driveways, walks, air conditioning, solar heating units, gardens,
southern exposure and neighbors' yards.